EBRD and Romania’s DNA discuss challenges in public procurement

EBRD workshop for 30 DNA experts focuses on integrity matters in public procurement

The fight against corruption in public procurement was the focus of a workshop held by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Bucharest today.

EBRD procurement specialists and 30 experts from Romania’s National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) discussed ways to identify and reduce fraud in the use of public funds. Participants also focused on best practices in international contracting.

Matteo Patrone, EBRD Director and Regional Head for Romania and Bulgaria said: “As a bank with a specific mandate to foster the development of market economies, we consider the fight against corruption to be a crucial aspect of this process. The results of Romania’s National Anti-corruption Directorate are remarkable and we are pleased to start a constructive relationship with this important institution. Public procurement is certainly an area where there are evident synergies and we have also discussed other areas for possible cooperation.”

Jan Jackholt, EBRD Director, Procurement, said: “Transparency and competition play an important role in ensuring the best results while spending public money. The DNA has made a deep impact on Romania’s fight against mismanagement so that investments in the public sector contribute to the development of a market economy. The EBRD is pleased to share its own expertise in how to detect the red flags of fraud and corruption in public procurement.”

The workshop follows a series of high-level meetings between the EBRD and DNA aimed at strengthening cooperation. On top of providing investment the EBRD is also engaged in policy dialogue with the countries where it invests. Improving the business environment is essential to attract investors and create the preconditions for sustainable growth.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Romania. It has invested over €7 billion in the country to date and has also mobilised more than €14 billion from other sources of financing.